Apparatus for providing energy communication between a moving and a stationary terminal

ABSTRACT

A rotating platform is supported above a stationary surface by means of a rotating support. The platform and support are driven about their respective axes in the same relative direction at speeds in the ration of two-to-one respectively. A terminal is located on the stationary surface is communication with a second terminal positioned on the rotating platform. An energy-guiding channel such as an electrical conductor is connected between the first and second terminals and is positioned to extend closer to the axis of said rotating support than the rotating support and subsequently up to the rotating platform, around the platform, onto the surface to which the second terminal is connected. The surface of the rotating platform upon which the second terminal is located is positioned remote or away from the stationary surface so that the electrical conductor is forced to follow a path around the outer edge of the platform down to the stationary surface.

Q United States Pterit 1111 3,586,413

[72] Inventor Dale A. Adams 2.481.196 9/1949 Bulliet 324/70 CG 7434 E.Monteoito Drive. TUCSOH. Ariz. 2966,0961 12/1960 Dlncerti et alf 350/23X 85710 3,428,812 2/1969 Burke 350/23 X N0 1969 Primary ExaminerDavidSchonberg Patented June 22 1971 ASSISIGI'XI Examiner-John LeonardAttorney-Drummond, Cahill & Phillips 54 APPA TU F R PROVEDINC ENERGY l Ifis g i BETWEENA MQVHNG ANDA fi BSTRACT: A rotating platform s supportedabove a sta- STATIONARY TERMINAL tionary surface by means of a rotatingsupport. The platform d su on are driven about their respective axes inthe same 3 Claims, 15 Drawing ma g ection at speeds in the ration oftwo-to-one respec- U-S. tively A {eminal is located on the tationaryurface is com- 339/2, 339/5 350/23 350/286 munication with a secondterminal positioned on the rotating [5 ll". 1 l platf o m An energyguiding channel uch as an electrical H011 39/00 conductor is connectedbetween the first and second terminals 0 24, and is positioned to extendcloser to the axis of aid rotating 25. 26. 352/ 224/70 support than therotating support and subsequently up to the 1 8l64/2; 74/18-l rotatingplatform, around the platform, onto the surface to which the secondterminal is connected. The surface of the [5 6] References Citedrotating platform upon which the second terminal is located is UNITEDSTATES PATENTS positioned remote or away from the stationary surface sothat 959;0l3 5/1910 Howell 350/7 the electrical conductor is forced tofollow a path around the 2,147,615 2/1939 Baroni 350/23 X outer edge ofthe platform down to the stationary surface.

PATENTEU JUN22 mm SHEEI 1 BF 4 INVENTOR DALE A. ADAMS ATTORNEYSPMENTEUJUNNiH/i 3586413 sum 3 or a APPARATUS FOR PROVEIDENG ENERGYCOMMUNECATHUN BETWEEN A MOVING AND) A STATIONARY TERMIINAL The presentinvention pertains to apparatus for facilitating energy communicationbetween terminals; more specifically, the present invention pertains toa means for facilitating such communication between a stationary and amoving member.

There are numerous instances in modern technology requiring thecommunication between terminals, one of which is moving and the secondof which is stationary. For example, to provide electromagneticcommunication such as an electrical current between the two terminals,the problem of relative motion between the terminals must be accountedfor. If the motion of the moving terminal is, for example, rotary, thenthe electrical conductor connecting the terminals will either becometwisted or will wrap around the supporting shaft about which the movingterminal rotates or revolves. The obvious expedient to avoid suchproblems is the utilization of slip rings which permit relative motionbetween terminals while maintaining electrical contact therebetween.

ln numerous applications, the utilization of slip rings isunsatisfactory but is the only prior art alternative. For example, inapplications wherein the signal current being transmitted is relativelylow level, the variations of contact resistance resulting from theconstantly changing resistance of slip rings imposes substantiallimitations on the transmitted signal. If the transmitted signalrepresents information, the signal level must be maintained sufficientlyhigh to overcome the interfering effects of slip ring noise. When theelectromagnetic communication approaches or is in the optical range offrequencies, there is no convenient prior art method for providingcommunication without substantial interference. For exam- I ple, if itwere desired to read the face of a meter that was revolving or rotating,aside from the utilization of stroboscopic techniques, there would be noway to visually observe the meter reading. Even with the use ofstroboscopic techniques, the observance would be intermittent and notcontinuous.

When the energy being communicated between terminals is in the form offluid, such as gas or liquid, the same problems exist in that slipcouplings give rise to the requirement of seals which are continuallyexperiencing relative motion with an adjacent sealing surface.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide apparatusfor energy communication between a moving and a stationary terminal.

it is a further object of the present invention to provide apparatus forenergy communication between a moving and a stationary terminal withoutthe utilization of slip rings, seals, or stroboscopic techniques.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide apparatus forenergy communication between a moving and a stationary terminal whereinthe energy is in one of several forms of energy communication, such aspneumatic, hydraulic, optical electromagnetic, and acoustic flow.

It is another object of the present invention to provide electromagneticcommunication between a terminal mounted on a rotating platform and aterminal on a stationary platform.

lt is still another object of the present invention to provide apparatusfor permitting the connection of an electrical conductor to one terminalon a rotating platform and connection to a second terminal on astationary surface without twisting or wrapping the conductor.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds.

Briefly, in accordance with the embodiment chosen for illustration, arotating support is mounted on a stationary surface for rotation aboutan axis. An electrical conductor is connected to a terminal on thestationary surface and passes from the stationary surface through therotating support such that the conductor is closer to the axis ofrotation of the rotating support than the rotating support. That is, atleast at the intersection of the rotating support and the stationarysurface, the rotating support must be hollow to permit the passage ofthe electrical conductor.

A rotating platform is mounted on the rotating support to permitrelative rotation between the two. The platform includes a surfacepositioned away from or remote to the stationary surface. This remotesurface may be utilized to support electrical equipment including asecond terminal to which electrical connection is to be made. Theelectrical conductor is extended from its position closer to the axis ofrotation of the rotating support around the edge of the rotatingplatform to the remote surface thereof; subsequently, the conductor isconnected to the second terminal. An electric motor is geared to rotatethe rotating support and a gear arrangement is provided to drive therotating platform in the same direction but at twice the angularvelocityof the rotating support. The above arrangement permits the electricalconductor to carry current between the first and second terminals, eventhough one terminal is stationary and the second terminal is in motion.

This invention may more readily be described by reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of the apparatusconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of FlG. ll.

FlGS. 3A3l are schematic diagrams of a rotating platform showingsuccessive positions of electrical conductors connected thereto usefulfor explaining the concept of the present invention.

FIGS. 4-7 are successive schematic views of a system constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention, utilizing anoptical signal-guiding channel.

The first embodiment herein described is chosen as an electromagneticembodiment since the difficulties inherent in energy communicationbetween terminals is most readily understood with this particularembodiment. The specific problems involved in providing an electricalcurrent between a stationary and a moving terminal demonstrate thecommon problem of energy communication in other systems, such ashydraulic systems, optical systems, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the embodiment chosen for illustrationrepresents a device that may be used to provide electrical connectionbetween a stationary terminal and an electrical device mounted on arotating platform. Such devices may be constructed for such applicationsas centrifuges wherein electrical equipment and components are beingsubjected to g forces while electrical measurements are being made. Astationary surface 10 forming part of a mounting base 11 is providedwith a stationary gear 12 which may be secured to the surface 10 such asby welding. The base 11 includes an electric motor 13 therein having adrive gear 15 secured thereto in driving engagement with a ring gear 16.The ring gear 16 is attached to a cylindrical member l8 which extendsthrough the stationary surface 10 and ring gear 12 and is provided witha flange 20 welded or otherwise secured to a rotating support 22. Therotating support 22 may be separated from the stationary surface 10 andring gear 12 by a bearing 23. It may thus be seen that energization ofthe electric motor 13 results in the rotation of the rotating support 22through the expediency of the drive gear 15 and ring gear 16.

The rotating support 22 supports an idler gear 25 mounted on a shaft 26journaled in the bottom wall 27 of the rotating support 22. The idlergear 25 is in driving engagement with the ring gear 112 and willtherefore rotate as it revolves about the ring gear 12. A lower transfergear 30 is in driving engagement with the idler gear 25 and is mountedon a transfer shaft 31 journaled in the lower wall 27 and the upper wall32 of the rotating support 22. The opposite end of the transfer shaft 31is connected to an upper transfer gear 33 which is positioned in drivingengagement with a platform drive gear 35. The platform drive gear 35 ismounted on a shaft 37 journaled in the top wall 32 of the rotatingsupport 22; the shaft 37 extends above the platform drive gear and actsas a support for a rotating platform 210. The gear ratios of the fixedring gear 112, idler gear 25, transfer gears 30 and 33), and theplatform drive gear 35 are chosen to provide a relative rotationalvelocities of the rotating platform 30 and the rotating support 22 oftwo-toone.

A terminal block 45 may conveniently be connected to the front face ofthe base ill to provide a convenient means for connection to amulticonductor cable 46. The cable, solely for purposes of guiding thecable and preventing it from becoming entangled, is wrapped around apost 48 extending upwardly from within the base ill through the cylinder118. A flexible conductor guide 30 is connected to the post 430 toprovide a means for supporting the cable 46 as the cable extendsupwardly from the base Illl. The conductor guide 50 may be formed of avariety of materials such as plastic or rubber or even flexible metalwhich can readily be flexed and act as a guide or flexible core for thecable 46. It is important to note at this point that the conductor guide50 is not necessary and that the cable 46 may be extended from the baseupwardly as shown in FIG. ll without the utilization of conductor guide50; however, it has been found helpful to provide a more orderlyconfiguration by utilizing a guide such as the conductor guide 50.Further, by using a conductor guide, the cable 416 is subjected to lessbending stress. It is also important to note that neither the cable 46nor the conductor guide 50 is subjected to torque or twisting force.

In the embodiment chosen for illustration, the rotating support 22 isshown in drum form having a cylindrical outer wall. In the latter form,it has been found useful to provide a tubular channel 5K to receive theconductor guide 50 with the cable 46 wrapped therearound. The tubularchannel 511 extends from the outer surface of the drum-shaped rotatingsupport 22 to a position immediately above and coaxial with the rotatingplatform 410.

The rotating platform 40 is mounted for rotation about an axis 55 whilethe rotating support 22 is mounted for rotation about an axis $6. In theembodiment chosen for illustration, the axes 55 and 56 are coincidental,although coincidence is not necessary for the operation of the system ofthe present invention. A spider member 611 is secured to the platform 40and is provided with an opening for the sole purpose of guiding thecable 46 and conductor guide 50 as it emerges from the tubular channel511. The cable 46 may subsequently be divided into separate cables 63and 64, each connected to different connectors such as the one shown at66 which ultimately "plugs to an electrical device 70 mounted on theplatform 40. Electrical connection is thus established between theterminal block 45 and the connector 66. This electrical connection canbe maintained even though the rotating platform 40 is rotated. Themotion is started by energizing the electric motor 213 through theon/off switch 72 which applies electrical current from an externalsource through conductors 73 to the motor. The rotating support 22 isthus rotated at a given velocity and the rotating platform 40 is drivenat a velocity equal to twice the velocity of the rotating supportthrough the expediency of the previously described gear arrangement.

The above description relates to the electromagnetic energy system. Theelectrical current travels from a stationary to a moving terminal. Amore thorough understanding of the concept may be achieved by anexamination of the electromagnetic system and then an investigation ofthe same inventive concept as it applies to other energy systems. Anexplanation of the phenomena describing the operation of the apparatusof FIGS. 1 and 2 may be facilitated by reference to the schematicillustrations of FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, a first conductor 80 is shownconnected between a white terminal 31 on a rotating platform 82 and asimilar white terminal $3 on a stationary surface 8d. A secondelectrical conductor 86 is connected between a black terminal $7 on therotating platform 82 and a black terminal $8 on the stationary surface84. In FIG. 3A, the arrow 90 indicates the direction of rotation of theplatform 82 and the relative positions of the white terminal 811 andblack terminal $7 of the orientation of the terminals on the platform tothe corresponding terminals on the stationary surface 84. In FIG. 38, itmay be seen that the platform 82 has rotated 90; similarly, in FIG. 3C,the platform 82 has completed 180. A comparison of FIGS. 3A and BBC willillustrate that the terminals 81 and 87 on the platform have now changedas seen by the viewer while the platform has rotated l and theconductors 80 and 86 have rotated about the axis of rotation 89. FIGS.3D and 3E demonstrate continued rotation of the platform 82 such that inFIG. 3B it may be seen that the platform 82 has completed 360 rotation;however, while the terminals 0i and 87 are again in the relativepositions as seen by the viewer in FIG. 3A, the conductors 30 and 236have completed only 180 of rotation about the axis 939. An inspection ofFIGS. 3F, BG, BH, and Lil will show that continued rotation of theplatform 82 for an additional 360 will result in the return of all theelements to the positions shown in FIG. 3A. Thus, for every 720 rotationof the platform 82, the conductors 80 and 86 will complete 360 ofrotation without becoming twisted. The conductors are subjected to aflexure or continuous bending as they travel about the axis 89 but arenot rotated or twisted about their own axis.

The present invention may also be described, for purposes ofunderstanding the concept, in terms of its applicability to an opticalsystem. It may be understood that while optical systems are concernedwith visible wave lengths, we are still concerned with electromagneticradiation (although of a much higher frequency than heretoforediscussed). Even though both the electromagnetic embodiments and theoptical embodiments are concerned with electromagnetic energy, theembodiments for practicing the invention will take substantiallydifferent forms in view of the behavioral characteristics of the energyin transit. FIGS. 4l'7 schematically illustrate the utilization ofapparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of this inventionfor use with optical frequencies. In FIG. 4, a rotating platform 1100 isshown having an object ll0Il mounted thereon which is to continuously beobserved while it is being rotated with the platform 1100. To facilitatethis continuous observation, a stationary and continuous image i102 maybe formed on a stationary surface I103 simply by providing an opticaltransmission path having light receiving and redirecting means such asprisms Ill1 6-llil0 positioned in a manner equivalent to the electricalconductors of FIGS. ll-3.

FIG. 5 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 4 after the platform 1100 hasbeen rotated 90. It may be seen from this schematic illustration thatthe image 102 formed on the stationary surface 1103 remains in anidentical orientation to the image previously formed in FIG. 43.Similarly, FIGS. 6 and '7 demonstrate the generation of an image 02 onthe stationary surface 103 even though the object lltlll has beenrotated with the platform through and 270 respectively.

While the present invention has been described in terms of specificembodiments utilizing electrical conductors and detailed elements suchas FIGS. 1 and 2, and while an optical embodiment of the invention hasbeen described with the aid of schematic illustrations in FIGS. 4l7, itwill be apparent that the present invention may be practiced with equalfacility in other energy systems. For example, it is frequentlydesirable to deliver liquid or possibly gas under pressure to a movingterminal from a stationary terminal. In those instances, thedifficulties discussed previously such as problems with seals, etc., aremanifest. The concept of the present invention obviates thesedifficulties by providing a means to communicate the hydraulic orgaseous energy directly to the moving terminal through an unbrokenconduit such as a flexible tube without difficulties inherent in slidingconnections. Similarly, in acoustical systems which sometimes may beconsidered extensions of gas, systems may readily be designed to deliverthe pressure wave fronts between a stationary and moving terminalwithout the necessity of connections, slip fittings, or seals, any ofwhich would give rise to acoustical reflections, thereby degrading theacoustic signal during transit. A mechanical system is also contemplatedas an energy transmitting system. For example, the physical motionbetween two elements mounted at the moving terminal may readily betransmitted via a flexible cable to the stationary terminal to yield, atthe stationary terminal, an indication of the relative motion. Amechanical system of this type may conveniently be used as a means formeasuring a force being exerted on a yieldable member (e.g., a spring)which responds to the force by a calibratable movement. This movementmay be transmitted via the flexible cable, either as a torsionalmovement of the cable or an axial movement of the cable. The cablemovement is transmitted directly from the moving terminal to thestationary terminal to permit measurements of the cable movement at thestationary terminal.

The embodiments described in the accompanying figures may also take theform of a great variety of apparatus designs. For example, as previouslymentioned in connection with the description of FIG. 1, the electricalconductor may be connected between a stationary terminal and the movingterminal without the aid of a conductor guide upon which it is wrappedor without the aid of a tubular channel, the latter elements merelyfacilitated for orderly positioning of the conductors. It will also beapparent that the spider 61 of FIG. 1 is entirely unnecessary for thefunctioning of the apparatus and is provided only to assist in thepositioning of the cable 46 as it emerges from the tubular channel 51.The means utilized to drive the platfonn may also vary. For example, thepresent concept is equally implemented by merely driving the rotatingsupport 22 and letting the electrical cable 46 or the conductor guide 50provide the necessary torque for driving the rotating platform 40. Thislatter scheme may conveniently be used when the mass of the platform 40is small and very little torque will be required to provide therotational force such that the strength of an electrical conductor aloneis sufficient. When the electrical conductor is used as the means fordriving the rotating platform, the conductor acts as the means fordelivering mechanical force as well as a means for transmittingelectrical current. Similarly, the rotating platform 40 may directly bedriven and the rotating support 22 may be connected thereto to rotate atthe required velocity. If the electrical conductor or a conductor guideis to be used as the means for mechanically driving the rotating supportor the rotating platform, then the ratio of velocities willautomatically be achieved and the necessity for gear trains or othermotion transmitting means is eliminated. The embodiments chosen forillustration and modifications thereof coming within the concepts of thepresent invention seem to require that the electrical conductor orsignal guiding channel extend from a stationary surface closer to theaxis of rotation of a rotating support than the rotating support. Inother words, the rotating support must provide a means for the passageof the electrical conductor extending from a stationary surface to theremote side of a rotating platform. This provision is usuallyaccomplished by making the rotating support hollow at least at theportion thereof adjacent to the stationary surface from which itextends. It will also be obvious that the utilization of the terminologyplatform" is not intended to connote an elongated or extensive surfacebut, rather, is intended as a general term indicating a surface uponwhich something such as a terminal can be mounted. The rotating platform40 includes a remote surface positioned away from the stationary surfacefrom which it is supported; however, the term "remote" is intended tomean that surface which directly opposes the electrical conductor orsignal-guiding channel as it makes contact with the surface or a devicemounted on the surface.

It will therefore be seen that the present concept encompasses a broadrange of apparatus employing a common phenomena which permits theconnection between a transmitting or receiving stationary terminal to areceiving or transmitting moving terminal by means of asignal-guidingchannel which itself does not twist.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for providing energy communication between a movingterminal and a stationary terminal comprising: a rotating platformhaving an axis of rotation; a rotating support extending from astationary surface supporting said platform in spaced-apart relation tosaid stationary surface, said axis of rotation passing through saidstationary surface, said rotating support having a second axis ofrotation; said rotating platform having a far side facing away from saidstationary surface and a near side facing said stationary surface; firstmeans fixedly secured to said far side of said rotating platform forreceiving or transmitting energy; second means fixedly secured to saidstationary surface for receiving or transmitting energy transmitted orreceived by said first means; a rotating energy-guiding channelconnected between said first and second means; said energy-guidingchannel extending from a point substantially at the axis of rotation ofsaid far side of said rotating platform, out around the platform, to apoint on said stationary surface which is substantially at theintersection of said axis of rotation of said rotating platform and saidstationary surface, the axis of rotation of said energy-guiding channelbeing coaxial with said axis of rotation of the rotating platform; meansfor rotating said platform and said energy-guiding channel in the samedirection coaxially about the axis of rotation of said rotating platformand relative to each other in the ratio of two-to-one respectively.

2. The combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said energy-guidingchannel comprises an electrical conductor.

3. The combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said energy-guidingchannel comprises a light transmission path including light receivingand redirecting elements positioned along said path.

1. Apparatus for providing energy communication between a movingterminal and a stationary terminal comprising: a rotating platformhaving an axis of rotation; a rotating support extending from astationary surface supporting said platform in spacedapart relation tosaid stationary surface, said axis of rotation passing through saidstationary surface, said rotating support having a second axis ofrotation; said rotating platform having a far side facing away from saidstationary surface and a near side facing said stationary surface; firstmeans fixedly secured to said far side of said rotating platform forreceiving or transmitting energy; second means fixedly secured to saidstationary surface for receiving or transmitting energy transmitted orreceived by said first means; a rotating energyguiding channel connectedbetween said first and second means; said energy-guiding channelextending from a point substantially at the axis of rotation of said farside of said rotating platform, out around the pLatform, to a point onsaid stationary surface which is substantially at the intersection ofsaid axis of rotation of said rotating platform and said stationarysurface, the axis of rotation of said energy-guiding channel beingcoaxial with said axis of rotation of the rotating platform; means forrotating said platform and said energyguiding channel in the samedirection coaxially about the axis of rotation of said rotating platformand relative to each other in the ratio of two-to-one respectively. 2.The combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said energy-guidingchannel comprises an electrical conductor.
 3. The combination set forthin claim 1, wherein said energy-guiding channel comprises a lighttransmission path including light receiving and redirecting elementspositioned along said path.